Las Caletas Escape in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

[springfire]

We were thinking of doing this excursion, has anyone else experienced a day at Las Caletas?

[Hlitner]

22 minutes ago, springfire said:

We were thinking of doing this excursion, has anyone else experienced a day at Las Caletas?

This has often been discussed on these boards.  This involves a large catamaran ride for about 45-60 min over to a private beach facility.  It is quite nice (was Director John Huston's home) and a good option if you want a beach day.   There are other less costly beach options if budget is an issue.

 

Hank

[lobsternight]

Going to follow along

[SDPadreFan]

YouTube is your friend. Do a search for "Las Caletas Beach Hideaway" or try this link.

 

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=las+caletas+beach+hideaway+puerto+vallarta

 

It's important to understand exactly what is included because the activity (pricing & inclusions) can vary based upon if it's a shore tour (staying at a resort) or a cruise ship tour.

Edited January 3, 2023 by SDPadreFan

[MSN-Travelers]

On 1/2/2023 at 4:52 PM, springfire said:

We were thinking of doing this excursion, has anyone else experienced a day at Las Caletas?

Have been to Las Caletas about 12 times since 2000, the last visit was last November.

 

The excursion site has changed considerably over the last few decades.  So . . .  who is "we".  A couple in you 20's or a family of 7 with teenage kids.  Hiking trails, zippiness for kids and zippiness for adults.  Sleepy adult quiet spaces on the hillside to organized kayaking/snorkeling/hammacks out on pontoons and everything in-between.  Something for everybody.  They have an additive cost massage operation, sea lions and scuba diving.

Open bar (national drinks), don't expect a chocolate raspberry martini or Heineken beer.  And a great all-you-can-eat meal.

 

Here is the excursion description directly from the operator:  https://www.vallarta-adventures.com/en/tour/caletas-beach-hideaway

 

Do you have any specific questions?

 

 

Edited January 4, 2023 by MSN-Travelers

[Josie201]

Watch for the fire seaweed.  If in season you can’t swim.  We were not at all pleased.  

[Derbie]

On 1/2/2023 at 5:20 PM, Hlitner said:

This has often been discussed on these boards.  This involves a large catamaran ride for about 45-60 min over to a private beach facility.  It is quite nice (was Director John Huston's home) and a good option if you want a beach day.   There are other less costly beach options if budget is an issue.

 

Hank

Would you kindly recommend the other less costly beach options?  We are traveling with 8 people.  Kids 7-17.  We have considered making Stone Island our beach day. All recommendations are appreciated. 

[Hlitner]

I sure get that :).  Cruise line excursions are expensive (and usually overpriced) and when you multiply by 8 it becomes ridiculous.  The least expensive beach day is to simply go to a free public beach.  In the case of Puerto Vallarta there are a few options including walking to a beach south of the port (it is somewhat of a hike) ot perhaps just taking a public bus or taxi into town (3-4 miles).  On the South Side of town you have the Romantic Zone/Old Town area where the beach is called Los Muertos Beach.  The southern part of this beach (south of the pier) is swimable as long as the sea is behaving itself.  There is also an area right around the pier that is popular with Mexicans (who come here on their vacations) where it is sometimes a bit calmer and appropriate for children.  But the further south you walk, the nicer the sand and sea bottom (i.e. no rocks).  You can simply put towels down on the sand and you have a free beach.  If you want chairs/loungers, there are multiple bars/restaurants that will allow you to use their loungers.  The cost is negotiable and sometimes they will let you use loungers for free as long as you commit to buying food/drink.   With a party of 8 it certainly comes down to your negotiating skills.

 

As to Stone Island, I can be of no help since my expertise is limited to only Puerto Vallarta (where we live for part of the year).

 

Hank

[pinto18]

7 hours ago, Derbie said:

Would you kindly recommend the other less costly beach options?  We are traveling with 8 people.  Kids 7-17.  We have considered making Stone Island our beach day. All recommendations are appreciated. 

I would for sure recommend Stone island as a "cheap" beach day...easy walk to water taxi, good prices on food and drink and not too "touristy" ..activities for kids if you want and the water usually pretty swimable 

[springfire]

Thanks for the wonderful responses!  We are now torn between by taking a taxi to Malecon, exploring the boardwalk and surrounding area or spending the day in Las Caletas. Decisions,Decisions 

[tytanbri]

On 1/5/2023 at 11:12 PM, Josie201 said:

Watch for the fire seaweed.  If in season you can’t swim.  We were not at all pleased.  

What is the season?

[Josie201]

6 hours ago, tytanbri said:

What is the season?

I don’t know.  We were there in November